Impact of Incorporating Dried Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) into Gluten-Free Bread on Its Antioxidant and Sensory Characteristics.

Gluten-free bread is increasingly popular among individuals with celiac disease, and The incorporation of mushroom flour offers a novel method to enhance its nutritional profile, antioxidant content, and sensory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and sensory characteristics of gluten-free bread with varying amounts of chaga mushroom flour (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%). The total contents of polyphenols and flavonoids were measured using a spectrophotometric method. Antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH and FRAP methods, while textural properties were evaluated using the TPA test. Bread colour was analysed using the CIELab system, and sensory evaluation was performed by a panel of trained consumers. The results showed that gluten-free bread enriched with chaga flour had increased polyphenol and flavonoid content and enhanced antioxidant activity. The highest levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, DPPH, and FRAP activity were found in bread with 20% chaga. The addition of chaga mushroom significantly affected the bread's hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness. Specifically, 20% chaga flour had the most pronounced effect on hardness and elasticity, while 15% chaga flour had the greatest impact on chewiness and cohesiveness. The bread's colour darkened with higher chaga concentrations. The results of sensory evaluation showed a negative correlation between consumer preferences and bread fortified with chaga mushroom flour. The overall consumer acceptability score indicates that only a small addition of mushroom flour (up to 10%) can be used to bake gluten-free bread.

Finite Element Simulation Tests of the Structural Strength of the Molding Module for Burger Production from Vegetable Outgrades.

The aim of the study was to assess the stresses of the structural materials of the forming module in the process of burger production from vegetable outgrades. The simulation research object was a virtual CAD 3D model of a device used for forming multi-vegetable products. Strength tests were performed on the computational model by applying the finite element method. The following were analyzed in the model: the forces exerted by the mixture of vegetables on the side walls of the tank and the dosing unit; the force from the servomotor resulting from the horizontal thickening of the vegetable mixture; the force from the servomotor resulting from the vertical mixing of the vegetable mixture; the force from the die assembly actuator; the force caused by punching the actuator from the die assembly. For evaluating the structure in the scope of the study, it was assumed that safely reduced stresses should be taken into account, with a safety factor equal to 1.1 of the yield strength of the parent material from which the structure was made (steel 1.4301 (304) with a yield stress Re0.2 of 230 MPa). For welds, safely reduced stresses should be taken into account, with a safety factor equal to 1.4 of the yield strength (Re0.2 of 230 MPa). Strength analyses confirmed that the permissible stress levels were not exceeded in the molding module.

Black Cumin Pressing Waste Material as a Functional Additive for Starch Bread.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the addition of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) pressing waste (BCW) and black cumin seeds (BCS) on the properties of starch bread. The control bread was prepared from wheat starch (100%) with a gluten-free certificate, plantain husk (5%), and guar gum (2%). BCS and BCW were added between 0 and 10% of wheat starch. We determined the physicochemical properties, color, texture, and sensory properties of the prepared bread. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to detect the phenolic compounds in the bread. The bread prepared with 6% BCS and 4% BCW had a significantly higher volume than the starch control bread did. Sensory analysis (taste) showed that BCS and BCW could be added up to 4% and 8%, respectively. The addition of BCS and BCW reduced the brightness of the crumb. A significant decrease in the L * index of the crumb was observed from 50.9 for the control bread to 34.1 and 34.0 for bread with 10% BCS and BCW, respectively. The addition of BCS and BCW decreased the hardness, elasticity, and chewiness of the starch bread crumb. Starch bread enriched with BCS and BCW was characterized by a higher content of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, and 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid.

Identification of sugars and phenolic compounds in honey powders with the use of GC-MS, FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.

This work aimed at the chemical and structural characterization of powders obtained from chestnut flower honey (HFCh) and honey with Inca berry (HBlu). Honey powders were obtained by spray drying technique at low temperature (80/50 °C) with dehumidified air. Maltodextrin (DE 15) was used as a covering agent. The isolation and evaluation of phenolic compounds and sugars were done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were performed to determine the morphology of the studied honey powders. The obtained results showed that the content of simple sugars amounted to 72.4 and 90.2 g × 100 g-1 in HFCh and HBlu, respectively. Glucose was found to be the dominant sugar with a concentration of 41.3 and 51.6 g × 100 g-1 in HFCh and HBlu, respectively. 3-Phenyllactic acid and ferulic acid were most frequently found in HFCh powder, whereas m-coumaric acid, benzoic acid, and cinnamic acid were the most common in HBlu powder. The largest changes in the FTIR spectra occurred in the following range of wavenumbers: 3335, 1640, and below 930 cm-1. The X-ray diffraction profiles revealed wide peaks, suggesting that both honey powders are amorphous and are characterized by a short-range order only.

Influence of Pulsed Electric Field on Accumulation of Calcium in Lactobacillus rhamnosus B 442.

Calcium is an element that performs many important functions in the human body. A study was conducted on the use of a pulsed electric field (PEF) to enrich cells of Lactobacillus rhamnosus B 442 in calcium ions. The highest concentration of calcium ions in bacterial cells (7.30 mg/g d.m.) was obtained at ion concentration of 200 µg/ml of medium and with the use of the following PEF parameters: field strength 3.0 kV/cm, exposure time 10 min, pulse width 75 ms and 20 h of culturing after which bacteria were treated with the field. Cell biomass varied in the range from 0.09 g/g d.m. to 0.252 g/g d.m., and the total number of bacteria ranged from 1010 CFU/ml to 1012 CFU/ml. Microscope photographs prove that calcium ions were situated within the cells of the bacteria, and electroporation contributed to an increase in the effectiveness of the ion bioaccumulation process. Samples containing calcium and subjected to electroporation displayed intensive fluorescence. The significance of this research was the possibility of using probiotic bacteria enriched with calcium ions for the production of functional food in subsequent studies.

Substitution of semolina durum with common wheat flour in egg and eggless pasta.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of full or partial replacement of durum semolina with cheaper common wheat flour to obtain high-quality pasta. It also examined whether the addition of eggs could minimize qualitative changes in these products. METHODS: In eggless, one-egg and two-egg pasta, semolina durum was substituted with common wheat flour to a degree of between 0–100%. The study was carried out in semi-technical conditions with the use of a MAC 30S-Lab Pasta Extruder and an EAC 30-Lab Pasta Dryer. The physicochemical parameters and cooking quality of the pasta samples were tested. RESULTS: The results showed that the addition of the common wheat flour reduced the protein and dietary fibre content in the pasta, increased losses of dry matter during cooking, and decreased the yellowness index. However, it increased the weight increase index and shortened the cooking time. Adding eggs significantly improved the quality of the common wheat pasta. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the tests carried out, it was found that the addition of common wheat flour to egg-less and one-egg pasta should not exceed 50% and 60%, respectively. It was shown that on adding two eggs, 100% of durum semolina could be replaced with common wheat flour without any significant deterioration in the quality of the product.

Magnesium enriched lactic acid bacteria as a carrier for probiotic ice cream production.

The following strains of bacteria: Lactobacillus rhamnosus B 442, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 1937, and Lactococcus lactis JBB 500 were enriched with magnesium ions using Pulsed Electric Fields. The potentially probiotic strains were added to the mixture in the DVS process and applied for the production of ice cream which were then analyzed physicochemically and microbiologically. Results showed that addition of bacteria enriched with magnesium did not change chemical parameters of the ice cream and did not affect the freezing process, meltability, and hardness. No significant differences were noted in colour of the samples. The ice cream with addition of bacteria enriched with magnesium had higher adhesiveness. The results of viability determination showed that the total number of microorganisms in the ice cream was higher than in the starter cultures. Viability of the bacteria enriched with magnesium in the obtained ice cream was lower in comparison to the control samples.

Review of Thawing Time Prediction Models Dependingon Process Conditions and Product Characteristics.

Determining thawing times of frozen foods is a challenging problem as the thermophysical properties of the product change during thawing. A number of calculation models and solutions have been developed. The proposed solutions range from relatively simple analytical equations based on a number of assumptions to a group of empirical approaches that sometimes require complex calculations. In this paper analytical, empirical and graphical models are presented and critically reviewed. The conditions of solution, limitations and possible applications of the models are discussed. The graphical and semi--graphical models are derived from numerical methods. Using the numerical methods is not always possible as running calculations takes time, whereas the specialized software and equipment are not always cheap. For these reasons, the application of analytical-empirical models is more useful for engineering. It is demonstrated that there is no simple, accurate and feasible analytical method for thawing time prediction. Consequently, simplified methods are needed for thawing time estimation of agricultural and food products. The review reveals the need for further improvement of the existing solutions or development of new ones that will enable accurate determination of thawing time within a wide range of practical conditions of heat transfer during processing.

The influence of selected ingredients of dietary supplements on skin condition.

Introduction and aim of the article. Healthy skin is an excellent barrier maintaining balance between the internal and external environment of the body. Because it is constantly changing as a result of, on the one hand, environmental factors and, on the other hand, the process associated with skin aging, it requires many nutrients and minerals that help maintain its homeostasis. The aim of this dissertation is to discuss the most commonly used ingredients in dietary supplements that improve the appearance and quality of the skin. Brief description of the state of the art. Quick pace of life, unbalanced diet and stress make it impossible to provide all the necessary components, which affects the proper functioning of the skin. That is why, the interest in dietary supplements as products that help to reduce the deficiencies of individual components is increasing. Supplements that affect the skin, hair and nails mainly consist of: vitamins C, E, A, B-vitamins, micro- and macronutrients and fatty acids. In this paper, some of the ingredients of skin affecting dietary supplements are discussed. A varied and proper diet should provide all the nutrients necessary for the correct functioning of the body. Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the normal daily food intake of nutrients which are not supplied with food in a sufficient quantity. Therefore, their use becomes relevant.

Twice malignant transformation of hypertrophic lichen planus.

Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous T-cell-mediated disease, the cause of which remains unknown. The first case of lichen planus that transformed into squamous cell carcinoma was reported in 1903. The presented study concerns the case of a 62-year-old woman in whom twice malignant transformation of hypertrophic lichen planus in the dorsal part of the left foot developed. Several studies have pointed out the malignant transformation potential of lichen planus. Epidemiological studies from the last 20 years have revealed a malignant transformation rate of 0.27% per year, emphasizing the importance of the clinical follow-up of lichen planus patients.